Firehose – News, Alerts, Docs
- Tuesday March 17
- 01:30 pmGet a 10th-gen iPad for just $239.99
This 10th-gen iPad (2022) packs a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and all-day battery life. Get a near-mint refurbished iPad 10 for less. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)01:28 pmApple TV’s new Keanu Reeves comedy looks hilarious, here’s the trailer
Apple TV has just released the trailer for its new comedy film, Outcome, starring Keanu Reeves and a stacked supporting roster. And based on this early look, it has all the makings of a hit. more…01:27 pmiPhone 19e Could Feature 120Hz ProMotion Display
Apple's iPhone 19e could come with an LTPO OLED display that would bring 120Hz ProMotion technology to its most affordable iPhone for the first time, based on a new report out of Asia. According to ZDNet Korea, the fourth-generation model in Apple's entry-level e-series – expected to arrive in early 2028 – could adopt a low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) panel, making the display technically capable of dynamically adjusting its refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz. It's the same underlying panel technology used across the current iPhone 17 lineup and the iPhone Air. The recently launched iPhone 17e uses a 60Hz low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) TFT panel, and the report suggests next year's iPhone 18e will use the same technology. That's despite the fact that you can find 120Hz screens on competing Android phones at similar price points. The shift in 2028 is said to depend in part on Apple's development of a next-generation "LTPO+" display technology, which incorporates oxide semiconductors in both switching and drive transistors, and is said to use a lot less battery power. Apple reportedly plans to reserve LTPO+ for its higher-end models in 2028, including new versions of the iPhone Air and its upcoming foldable iPhone, which would free up standard LTPO panels for the rest of the lineup. But if the new technology isn't ready in time, it could delay the trickle-down of LPTO panels to the 19e, so nothing's for certain yet. Apple first adopted LPTO+ (also known as LPTO3) in the Apple Watch Series 10 in 2024, with panels supplied by LG Display. This likely gave Apple the confidence to scale the technology to iPhone-sized displays, and the company has a track record of testing new display technologies in the Apple Watch before bringing them to the iPhone. A previous report suggested Apple was considering adopting the new display architecture for at least one model in its 2027 iPhone lineup, but the ZDNet Korea report suggests Apple has moved away from the idea because the technology is not quite ready for mass production. Related Roundup: iPhone 17eBuyer's Guide: iPhone 17e (Buy Now)This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums01:14 pmService Issue – Linode Kubernetes Engine Enterprise (LKE-E) – Chicago, IL (us-ord)
Mar 17, 13:14 UTCIdentified - Our team has identified the issue affecting the LKE-E service. We are working quickly to implement a fix, and we will provide an update as soon as the solution is in place.Mar 17, 13:04 UTCInvestigating - Our team is investigating an issue affecting the Linode Kubernetes Engine Enterprise (LKE-E) service. We will share additional updates as we have more information.01:11 pmSamsung to Discontinue Galaxy Z TriFold After Just Three Months
Samsung is set to discontinue the Galaxy Z TriFold globally after just three months on sale (via Bloomberg). The company will start by ceasing sales of the device in Korea, where it has been on sale since December. Samsung plans to discontinue the device in the United States once it clears its inventory. Samsung's website already lists the TriFold as "sold out," but customers are still able to buy the device at Samsung stores. It launched in the United States in January and costs $2,899. The Galaxy Z TriFold is Samsung's first smartphone that has a larger total display area thanks to folding twice, featuring a 10-inch display when opened and a 6.5-inch cover screen when closed, with "minimized creasing." A third of the display is just 3.9mm thick when the smartphone is unfolded. It contains a 5,600 mAh three-cell battery system with one battery behind each display panel, making it the largest battery that Samsung has used in a smartphone to date. There are three cameras on the rear of the device, including a 200-megapixel wide angle camera, a 12-megapixel ultra wide camera, and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. There is a 10-megapixel selfie camera on the cover screen and another on the main screen. Samsung touted unique capabilities for the Galaxy Z TriFold, such as using three different portrait-sized apps side-by-side, watching full-screen content, vertical tablet-style reading, two differently sized hinges that work together with a dual-rail structure, and an alarm that alerts the user if it's folded incorrectly.Tags: Galaxy Fold, SamsungThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums01:00 pmWhy every Mac user should be thrilled MacBook Neo packs 8GB of RAM
MacBook Neo needs just 8GB of RAM, and that's great news for all Mac users, even users of high-end computers. Here's why. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)12:56 pmApple’s 50th anniversary celebrations move from New York to China
Apple began its 50th anniversary celebrations at New York’s Grand Central Station on Friday and is reportedly continuing them in China tomorrow. We’re again expecting a live performance by a popular singer, and Apple retail head Deirdre O’Brien has been spotted in the country … more…12:32 pm11 tech giants – but not Apple – have signed up to an anti-scam initiative
Eleven tech giants and major retailers have signed up to a new anti-scam initiative ahead of a United Nations global fraud summit. The Industry Accord Against Online Scams & Fraud recognizes the growing use of AI by criminal gangs to create more convincing scams, and pledges cooperation between the companies to combat this … more…12:22 pmIndia SMS Carrier Maintenance – Idea Cellular
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 21, 11:00 - 17:00 PDTMar 17, 05:04 PDTScheduled - The Idea Cellular network in India is conducting a planned maintenance from 21 March 2026 at 11:00 PDT until 21 March 2026 at 17:00 PDT. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to Idea Cellular India handsets.12:15 pmBenQ MA270S review: Studio Display specs for a whole lot less
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Great image and text quality Height-adjustable stand is standard Several connectivity options Cons No built-in webcam 70Hz max refresh rate may not be high enough for gamers Our Verdict If you’ve been holding out for a 5K 27-inch display, take a look at the BenQ MA270S. It’s a good alternative to the Apple Studio Display with excellent image quality and more diverse connection options. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$999 Best Prices Today: MA270S Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket BenQ has been doing a great job with its displays geared towards Mac users. I’ve reviewed the MA270U and the MA270UP and recommend them. But those 27-inch displays do have one specific feature that may be a no-go for some customers: They are 4K displays, not 5K like the Apple Studio Display. Most people will be fine with 4K, but for others, that’s a deal breaker. Good news: BenQ now has a 5K offering, the new MA270S. It basically looks the same as the others, except it’s now a direct competitor to the high-resolution Studio Display. More good news: the MA270S lives up to the standard set by its two predecessors, with a great combination of image quality, features, and price. Specifications Size27 inchesGlass frontNano Gloss PanelAspect ratio16:9Native resolution5120 by 2880Panel type/BacklightIPS/LED backlightResponse time5 msContrast ratio2000:1Refresh rate70HzColor depth10-bitBrightness450 nitsDimensions with stand (horizontal)Highest height: 22.1 by 24.2 by 8.7 inches (560.1 by 613.8 by 220.2mm) Lowest height: 17 by 24.2 by 8.7 inches (430 by 613.8 by 220.2mm)Weight with stand19.05 lbs (8.64 kg) BenQ MA270S: Design and build The MA270S takes its design cues from its 4K brethren. It’s almost exactly like those two displays, with a plastic case and bezels that are less than 1mm. The one major difference is that BenQ moved the Visual Optimizer Sensor to the lower left of the front of the display. While it disrupts the previously clean line, it doesn’t stand out. You see it, but it’s not distracting. The MA270S’s base has a protective pad for resting an iPhone, AirPods, etc.Foundry The Visual Optimizer Sensor automatically adjusts the display’s brightness based on the room’s lighting. Placing it on the front allows the brightness to be closer in tune with what the user perceives. It’s a thoughtful change. A few months ago, BenQ released the MA270UP, which implements the company’s Nano Gloss Panel. The MA270S also uses the same panel, so it’s a glossy display and not available in matte. Apple’s Studio Display is also glossy, but it has a Nano-texture glass (matte) option that increases the price by $300. I didn’t experience any glare or eye fatigue while using the MA270S, issues that can occur while using a glossy display. Glossy is preferred by users who want colors that are vivid and black reproduction that is deep–some may say a matte screen, by comparison, has a washed-out appearance. BenQ MA270S: Ports The MA270S has the following ports: Two HDMI 2.0 ports One 35W PowerDelivery USB-C port One 96W PowerDelivery Thunderbolt 4 port One 15W PowerDelivery Thunderbolt 4 port Two USB-A (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 10Gbps, 7.5W) One USB-C downstream (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 10Gbps, 15W) 3.5mm headphone jack Macs can connect via HDMI, USC-C, or Thunderbolt.Foundry MacBooks can connect to the display via HDMI, USB-C, or Thunderbolt, and I used all three types without any issues. However, if you connect via HDMI, your MacBook does not charge while connected–HDMI connections don’t provide power. If you want to use the display as a hub, you need to connect the MacBook to USB-C or Thunderbolt. BenQ MA270S: Image quality The MA270S produces pleasing images of great quality, and the text looks sharp. In the Macworld office, I usually use a 4.5K iMac to produce the Macworld Podcast in the studio, and when I switched to a MacBook Pro connected to the BenQ display, I could easily see the upgrade in quality. The blacks are richer, colors are rich, and text looks crisp. This display, like the other MA270 displays, is impressive. One small upgrade that the MA270S offers over the other BenQ displays is a 70Hz refresh rate, slightly higher than the standard 60Hz (which Studio Display uses). I didn’t notice a difference in general everyday use, but those with a more discerning eye might notice the difference over other monitors when scrolling or watching videos. The MA270S’s refresh rate is fixed at 70Hz, so if you want a faster rate (90Hz or 120Hz), you’ll need to look elsewhere. BenQ MA270S: Price The MA270S is priced at $999, and the company is offering a special deal where if you buy two displays, the second display is 20 percent off. This offer is good during the March pre-order period. At $999, it’s significantly cheaper than the Apple Studio Display. Keep in mind that if you want a height-adjustable stand with Apple’s display, you have to pay an extra $400–a feature that’s standard on BenQ’s display–which doubles the price. The MA270S tilts, swivels, and pivots 90 degrees, though you won’t get a webcam or Spatial Audio speakers. USB and a headphone jack are located on the bottom of the display for easy access.Foundry Should you buy the BenQ MA270S? If you’ve been holding out for a 5K 27-inch display, take a look at the BenQ MA270S. It’s a good alternative to the Apple Studio Display; the MA270S matches its image quality, while offering more options as a connection hub. One clear advantage the Studio Display has is a built-in webcam, which is missing from the MA270S, but the Studio Display is prohibitively more expensive if you need a height-adjustable stand. Apple released the 2nd-gen Studio Display in March 2026, and it’s not all that different than the previous model. It still costs $1,599, and the upgrades are minor: Thunderbolt 5 and a better camera. It uses the same 5K, 60Hz panel as before, so unless you want a built-in webcam or Thunderbolt 5, there’s no reason to choose it over the MA270S. Now read: Best Mac monitors: The Mac compatible displays we recommend12:00 pmAI Apps Generate Revenue but Struggle With Retention
AI-powered apps are driving higher conversions and revenue, but retention remains weak. High churn, shorter trials, and rising costs expose a gap between early excitement and lasting value. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.11:57 amHow a MacBook Neo bought for a high school student is worth $50k to Apple
One of the biggest mysteries ahead of the MacBook Neo launch was the price. We’d seen various estimates in the $599 to $799 range, and while we’d certainly hoped for that lower-end figure, experienced Apple watchers weren’t necessarily expecting it. Reaction to the price was universally positive, all the more so as it breaks the $500 barrier for education users. School and college students can buy the machine for just $499 … more…11:47 amHow Apple secures MacBook Neo's camera indicator without a hardware light
Instead of a secure, dedicated indicator light, MacBook Neo just shows a green icon when the camera is in use. Yet years of software engineering effort means the camera "exclave" still can't be hacked.MacBook Neo secures its camera in softwareFor the right audience, the MacBook Neo is a superb buy, plus you can repair it, you can even modify it a little. But reportedly, what you can't do is hijack the camera even though the MacBook Neo lacks the usual hardware indicator light.John Gruber reports in his Daring Fireball blog that the MacBook Neo's on-screen green icon indicator turns out to be pretty much as secure. He quotes developer Guilherme Rambo saying that "the software-based camera indicator light... runs in the secure exclave part" of the processor. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums11:15 amAirPods Max 2 may look old, but these big upgrades are inside
Macworld It’s been a long time since Apple was able to release something without the whole internet knowing about it beforehand. But we were surprised by the announcement of AirPods Max 2, a product we weren’t really expecting anytime soon. AirPods Max were released in December of 2020, and received a minor USB-C update with new colors in 2024. AirPods Max 2 changes very little from a design standpoint. It’s the same headphones, with the same speakers and microphones. But Apple has replaced the H1 chip with the H2, and that brings with it a lot of improvements and new capabilities. Here’s how the AirPods Max models stack up AirPods Max vs. AirPods Max USB-C vs. AirPods Max 2 AirPods Max got a minor update to USB-C in 2024, but the new H2 version adds a lot on top of that. Here’s a look at everything that’s different bettern the three versions: AirPods Max (Lightning)AirPods Max (USB-C)AirPods Max 2ReleasedDecember 2020September 2024April 2026Price$549$549$549ColorsSpace Gray, Silver, Sky Blue, Green, PinkMidnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, OrangeMidnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, OrangeSize7.37 x 6.64 x 3.28 inches7.37 x 6.64 x 3.28 inches7.37 x 6.64 x 3.28 inchesWeight13.6 ounces13.6 ounces13.6 ouncesProcessorH1H1H2ConnectionLightningUSB-CUSB-CWired AudioLightning-to-3.5mmUSB-to-3.5mm, USB-C (with software update)USB-to-3.5mm, USB-CLow-latency audioNoYes (USB-C only)Yes (USB-C only)Lossless audioNo24-bit, 48 kHz (USB-C only)24-bit, 48 kHz (USB-C only)Noise CancellationYesYesYes (1.5x better)TransparencyYesYesYes (More natural)Adaptive AudioNoNoYesConversation AwarenessNoNoYesSiri support“Hey Siri”“Hey Siri”“Hey Siri” and just “Siri”Live TranslationNoNoYesVoice IsolationNoNoYesPersonalized VolumeNoNoYesCamera remoteNoNoYesBattery LifeUp to 20 hours w/ANC enabledUp to 20 hours w/ANC enabledUp to 20 hours w/ANC enabledSmart CaseYesYesYes Three years after their introduction, Apple updated AirPods Max to swap out the Lightning port for USB-C and refresh the colors. It only impacted charging, though, and was hardly worth mentioning. Then, in the iOS 18.4 and macOS 15.4 update (along with a firmware update), Apple added USB-C audio with enabled 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio with “ultra-low latency” when plugged in via USB-C. AirPods Max 2 appear to be identical to the USB-C updated version, but by swapping out the H1 chip for the newer H2, you get a lot of benefits. Apple says noise cancellation is up to 1.5x better, transparency mode sounds more natural, and you get all the other features common to H2-enabled AirPods: Adaptive Audio, the ability to say just “Siri” instead of “Hey, Siri,” Voice Isolation, Live Translation, and so on. They also come in the same five colors with the same magnetic Smart Case. The price has remained $549 throughout, but they’re almost always on sale from third-party retailers, with sites like Amazon usually selling them for $449 or less, and we’ve seen as low as $399 during sales events. Apple AirPods Max 2 Price When Reviewed: $549 Best Prices Today: $549 at Apple10:32 amApple Watch AFib History Feature Launches in Mainland China
Apple today launched its atrial fibrillation history feature for Apple Watch in mainland China. Since 2022, Apple Watch in the U.S. has supported AFib History, which allows users diagnosed with atrial fibrillation to view an estimate of how frequently their heart is in this type of irregular rhythm. The feature analyzes pulse rate data collected by a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor to identify episodes consistent with AFib and provides the user with a retrospective estimate of AFib burden (a measure of the amount of time spent in AFib during past Apple Watch wear). Apple says the feature is intended for individuals aged 22 years or older who have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation by a physician. Capabilities like ECG and AFib tracking are typically classified as medical or quasi-medical functions, requiring approval from China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), hence the delayed launch. ECG, Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications, and AFib History are features that can be used by Apple Watch owners in over 150 countries worldwide. Apple maintains a dedicated list of Apple Watch feature availability on its website.Related Roundup: Apple Watch 11Tag: ChinaBuyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums10:30 amApple’s real intelligence? Winning the waiting game
Macworld Apple is behind on AI! We all know it! It was in all the papers. But Horace Dediu wonders if Apple didn’t pull off the most brilliant move in corporate history. That move? Not dumping hundreds of billions into AI. Just tens of billions. The Macalope has been suggesting much the same thing for a while now and Dediu questions the spend Apple’s competitors are making on AI. Amazon is spending $200 billion this year on AI data centers. Google, $185 billion. Microsoft, $114 billion. Meta, $135 billion. Combined: $650 billion. Well, surely it’s all going swimmingly, though: “Meta planning sweeping layoffs as AI costs mount” We’ve gone from “AI does everything so we can now lay off all our staff!” to “We have to lay off all our staff because AI is sucking all our resources.” It’s almost as if AI is being as an excuse for layoffs. Ha-ha! That would be silly! Because, in reality, we know that there really is no problem that cannot be solved by laying off vast swaths of the people who have devoted their careers to you. It’s just math. Speaking of math, it seems Apple’s spreadsheets are coming up with different numbers than everyone else’s. Dediu notes: …Apple’s capital budget is still a modest $14 billion… It’s not nothing, but it’s not close to the vast sums these other companies are throwing at it. And who is the big beneficiary of all this spending? Nvidia. Apple is refusing to transfer its cash flow to Nvidia. Curiously, it believes that its cash flow belongs to its shareholders, not to Nvidia’s. It’s weird how many recent tech trends have relied on Nvidia’s chips: crypto, NFTs, the blockchain, and now AI. Two years ago, the Macalope joked: The Macalope doesn’t consider himself someone prone to conspiracy theories, but he would not be surprised to find out years from now that Nvidia has been running a powerful psychological ops campaign that dreams up technologies that require its boards to run and then convince venture capital firms to invest in them. Was it a joke? He’s not even sure anymore. Dediu notes: The hyperscalers are now spending 94 percent of their operating cash flows on AI infrastructure. Eeeyow. There are places where AI is reaping some real gains in productivity and utility, such as programming, data analysis, and accessibility. And then there are all the other places where these companies are trying to jam it like a slippery herring into a carburetor. If you’d like to receive regular news and updates to your inbox, sign up for our newsletters, including The Macalope and Apple Breakfast, David Price’s weekly, bite-sized roundup of all the latest Apple news and rumors.Foundry Why are you trying to put it in there, Phil?! It doesn’t belong in there! You’re a terrible mechanic! The Macalope doesn’t know why he brings his car to you! Examples: Customer support? Customers don’t want it. Virtual assistants? Enhanced Siri may be late but enhanced Alexa is out there stumbling around looking for someone to hold its beer. A study showed that in the workplace, far from helping, AI is causing “brain fry”. The Macalope doesn’t really know what that is but it doesn’t sound good. And then there’s generative AI. At least that’s all fun and games, right—oh nooo… “Teens sue Elon Musk’s xAI over Grok’s AI-generated CSAM” (Grok and X, by the way? Still on the App Store, in case you were wondering.) Ultimately, however, Apple seems to be mostly taking the same stance with AI that it took with Dropbox. “You’re a feature, not a product.” So far, that seems 100 percent correct. Every attempt to make AI a product has failed or is having a lot of trouble getting off the runway. “OpenAI, Jony Ive AI hardware faces reported delays” “Uh, so far every prototype we’ve made has exploded inside the hangar. One of them exploded before we had even made the device. The artist’s rendering exploded. I don’t even know how that happens.” The one thing Apple definitely did do wrong was promising Apple Intelligence features it could not deliver and may not be able to any time soon. If Apple had simply said “Our devices are ready to fully support on-device models from whatever vendors want to work with us to retain privacy. Our software will also hook into cloud-based AI for customers who want more.” it might have saved itself some trouble. Apple didn’t miss the AI revolution. It just bet that the winners won’t be the ones who build the infrastructure. All this spending is predicated on big demand for AI products in the future and right now that’s a real uncertainty. On the plus side, can you imagine the first Spirit Halloween that sets up shop in a former AI data center? Just epic.10:16 amHomeKit Weekly: Aqara releases its first Matter camera alongside a new Apple Home enabled wired doorbell | 9 to 5 MacHomeKit Weekly: Aqara releases its first Matter camera alongside a new Apple Home enabled wired doorbell
Aqara just announced two major additions to its smart home security lineup today. They have released the Camera Hub G350, which is the company’s first Matter-certified camera, along with the Doorbell Camera G400. I always look forward to seeing what Aqara does next, as they have been a great way to build out a low-cost smart home for years. These two devices bring so many needed features to the Apple Home ecosystem. more…10:14 amAdjust “scrollEdgeEffect” iOS26
I'm trying to have that blur scroll effect not be visible when the hero is showing, but only when the track rows appear close to the top. Does anybody know how I could achieve that? submitted by /u/Gwail_904 [link] [comments]10:00 amApple @ Work Podcast: Native apps with a cloud backing
Apple @ Work is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle is the only solution that integrates in a single professional-grade platform all the solutions necessary to seamlessly and automatically deploy, manage & protect Apple devices at work. Over 45,000 organizations trust Mosyle to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple. In this episode of Apple @ Work, AJ from Daylite joins the show to talk about native macOS apps, local AI compute, and the future of macOS software. more…09:28 amApple testing while app isn’t submitted for approval
Context: I have an app that has been in the Store for a couple of years, and I update it at least once per month. Today I noticed that the Help functionality was being tested by someone. After checking the account details, I realised this message was sent by someone from Apple Review. My previous […]08:00 amVisual Studio Pro 2026 is only $43 with this coupon code
Macworld TL;DR: Use code MARCH15 to get Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 for $42.49 through March 29 (MSRP $499.99). Macs are fantastic machines for development, but if you build software that has to run everywhere—Windows, Linux, cloud containers, enterprise environments—you’ve probably crossed paths with Visual Studio at some point. A new version just dropped with deeper AI integration, improved performance, and more powerful collaboration tools. What’s new in Visual Studio 2026? Visual Studio Professional 2026 is a 64-bit development environment, designed to handle massive codebases and complex projects without slowing you down. You can build everything from mobile apps to web platforms and containerized cloud services. Some highlights include: AI-assisted coding with IntelliCode: suggests code based on patterns in your project, helping you write faster and reduce repetitive boilerplate. Cross-platform development tools: build and debug .NET or C++ apps targeting Windows, Linux, and containers, making it useful for mixed-device teams. Live Share collaboration: jump into real-time coding sessions without teammates needing to clone repos or install dependencies. CodeLens insights: see commit history, tests, and authors directly in your editor so you understand your codebase faster. Get Visual Studio Pro 2026 for $42.49 with code MARCH15 (MSRP $499.99). Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026See Deal Want to see more deals? Visit our shop and use code MARCH15 to save an extra 15% sitewide through March 29. Exclusions apply. StackSocial prices subject to change.07:53 amWhat’s one iOS feature you implemented that looked simple but turned into a mess? | Reddit on iOS ProgrammingWhat’s one iOS feature you implemented that looked simple but turned into a mess?
Could be something in SwiftUI, UIKit, navigation, background tasks, widgets, notifications, syncing, anything. I always find those stories more useful than “hardest thing ever” lists, because it is usually the supposedly simple stuff that burns the most time. submitted by /u/dnesdan [link] [comments]07:15 amWork smarter: Connect your Mac to an extra monitor
Macworld The more screen space you have the more efficiently you work apparently. So why not connect a second (or even a fifth) display to your Mac? In this article we help you identify which adapter you need to plug your Mac into an extra, external screen (or even more than one), and how to get everything set up. While it’s generally easy to set up an additional screen, there are a few issues that might cause your display not to be detected by your Mac, so we will also offer solutions for these problems below. It is also possible to use an iPad as a second screen. This may suit you if you don’t already own an external screen, but note that you do need a supported Mac and iPad. We look at how to use your iPad as a screen for your Mac in a separate article, along with which iPads and Macs support the feature. Apple has added the ability to use one keyboard and mouse with two Macs, or a Mac and iPad, which could suit your new way of working. To find out more see: How to use the same mouse and keyboard with two Macs. Another thing to bear in mind if you are hoping to add two external displays to your Mac is that while some Macs can support up to five additional displays, the plain (non-Pro or Max) M1 or M2 Macs and MacBook Neo support only one additional display—although there is a workaround, read: How to connect two or more external displays to Apple M1, M2 and Neo Macs. You may also be interested in how to use an old iMac as a second display. How to connect an external monitor to a Mac This is one of those things that should be easy, but because over the years Apple has changed the ports on Macs it can be difficult to know what connectors you actually need in order to connect a monitor to your Mac. That’s even before you have studied the ports on the back or the display to work out what connector is required there. Luckily once you know what wire you need to connect your MacBook to your monitor it should be plain sailing. The steps are relatively simple, but as you will see the first step is the hardest! Identify which Apple adapter and cable you need to connect the Mac and the monitor by following the guidance in the Which Port section below. Plug it in. Open System Preferences > Displays. Click the Arrangement tab. Do not select the Mirror Displays tickbox (unless you want the second screen to show the same content as your original screen). Drag the illustrated displays into the arrangement you require. A white menu bar will be shown at the top of one of the screens. Drag this white bar to the screen you wish to be dominant. If you want to mirror the display on both (or multiple) displays go to System Preferences > Displays > Arrangement and choose Mirror Displays. You can also select ‘Show mirroring options in the menu bar when available’ and you will see a status menu in the menu bar making it easier to turn this off and on again. The options are a little different if you are attaching a desktop Mac, like a Mac mini, to a monitor as it doesn’t have its own display. If you are adding a second monitor to a Mac mini you will see something like this: As with the options for connecting a monitor to a MacBook, if you connect more than one monitor to a Mac mini you will notice the white block at the top of one of the displays. You can click on this and drag it onto the display you wish to be the main display. You can also adjust the position of each display to reflect how they are positioned on your desk, so that when you drag your mouse from one screen to the other you know where it will appear. If you have an Apple TV, or any TV that supports AirPlay, you can also use AirPlay to send a second screen output to your TV screen. Here’s how to do that: How to view your Mac screen on a TV. If you are using your Mac with an external screen and want to close the lid on your MacBook read: How to use MacBook with lid closed, stop closed Mac sleeping. Now that I’ve arranged the displays this way, I can move my mouse pointer to the second monitor just by moving it up. The transition is instant. Which port has my Mac got? As we said above, the hardest part of connecting a display to your Mac is working out what cable you need to plug into your Mac and the monitor. The cable you require depends on the model of Mac and the type of monitor. Apple has implemented quite a few different port types over the years, and your Mac desktop or MacBook might feature any of the following: HDMI, USB-C, Thunderbolt 2, 3, 4 or 5, or Mini Display. We’ll help you identify which port you have below. HDMI All today’s MacBook Pro models ship with an HDMI video port that is dedicated to connecting to external displays or projectors, starting with the 14in and 16in MacBook Pro introduced in 2021. The Mac mini and Mac Studio also host an HDMI port. HDMI ports are often found on TVs, making those Macs a popular choice for those setting up a media centre PC. Macs with an HDMI port include: Mac mini 14in MacBook Pro 16in MacBook Pro Mac Studio You’ll also find HDMI port on some older Mac mini models and the MacBook Pro from mid 2012 to 2015. Thunderbolt 3, 4 and 5 / USB4 / USB-C USB-C is the charging and data port found on most modern devices. It’s a small, elongated oval shape with rounded, symmetrical ends. It’s more capable than the older rectangular USB-A port with a cable that must be inserted one-way only—and always the other way than you first try it. USB-C is reversible so the cable can go in either way up, which is much more convenient. Thunderbolt versions 3, 4 and 5 are a supercharged version of USB-C, with a bandwidth of between 40Gbps (Thunderbolt 3 and 4) to 80Gbps (Thunderbolt 5) compared to USB-C’s 5GBps to 10GBps. Each is backwards compatible with USB-C and looks and acts in the same way, so with them you will be able to use any USB C-equipped monitor, or a Thunderbolt monitor, with your Mac. You’ll be able to use a USB-C data cable to connect your Mac to your monitor, but it must support DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode), meaning simple USB-C charging cables might not suffice for connecting to a monitor. The minimum recommended data speed is 5Gbps (USB 3.1/3.2 Gen 1), though a 10Gbps (USB 3.1/3.2 Gen 2) or 40Gbps/80Gbps (USB4/Thunderbolt 3/4/5) cable is better for higher resolutions, faster refresh rates, and data transfer. For suitable monitor/data USB-C cables consult our reviews of the best USB-C and Thunderbolt cables. The older Thunderbolt 1 and 2 connections (found on some Macs from 2011 to early 2016) are a different shape entirely and less capable than later Thunderbolt or plain USB-C. We’ll go into more detail on those older varieties later. Macs with a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port include: 13in MacBook Pro (from 2020) MacBook Air (from 2020) 24in iMac (from 2021) Mac mini M1 (from 2020) You’ll also find Thunderbolt 3 on Macs from around the end of 2016 and onwards. As with Thunderbolt 3 , Thunderbolt 4 shares the same port as USB-C (and USB4, which we discuss next). The port looks identical to the Thunderbolt 3 port (above) and is completely backwards compatible. Apple The big benefit of Thunderbolt 4 is it supports two 4K displays or one 8K display from a single cable connection. Macs with a Thunderbolt 4 port include: 14in MacBook Pro (from 2021) 16in MacBook Pro (from 2021) Mac Studio (from 2022) There isn’t a huge difference between USB4 and Thunderbolt 4, and all Thunderbolt 4 devices support USB4. While Thunderbolt 4 always has a full 40Gbps bandwidth, USB4 starts at 20Gbps, but can also reach 40Gbps. A USB4 port supports only one display, while Thunderbolt 4 can support two 4K displays. Learn about Thunderbolt 5, 4 and USB4. Mac mini M1 (from 2020) MacBook Air (from 2020) 13in MacBook Pro (from 2020) 14in MacBook Pro (from 2021) 16in MacBook Pro (from 2021) 24in iMac (from 2021) Mac Studio (from 2022) Most up to date is Thunderbolt 5, which is backwards compatible all the way back to plain USB-C. The two external displays from one cable limit remains except for Macs boasting an M5 Pro or M5 Max chip, which can support three or four displays respectively over one cable. Alongside the four USB-A ports, this 2015-era iMac has two Thunderbolt 2 ports that look nothing like modern-day Thunderbolt 3, 4 or 5 ports.Simon Jary Thunderbolt 1 or 2 Thunderbolt first appeared on Macs in around 2011, then in 2013 Apple introduced Thunderbolt 2. The Thunderbolt port looks the same as Mini DisplayPort (below) and is backwards-compatible with that port. If you see a Thunderbolt symbol besides what looks like a Mini DisplayPort, your Mac has a Thunderbolt port. If your Mac is from 2011 to around 2016, chances are it offers Thunderbolt 1 or 2 rather than Mini DisplayPort, although the two are compatible. Mini DisplayPort Mini DisplayPort was announced by Apple towards the end of 2008. With an adapter the Mini DisplayPort can drive displays that feature VGA, DVI or HDMI interfaces. For more information about ports, here’s a rundown of some of Apple’s different port types. Which port does my display have? Now that you’ve identified which port your Mac has, you need to check the port on your display, we run through all the options below. You also need to confirm one more thing: Is the port male or female? You need to check whether the connection on the back of your display has “female” ( a port) or “male” (a connector) endpoints. The NEC MyltiSync E243WMI we used had a female connection, for example, so we needed to make sure that the adaptor we bought had male endpoints. HDMI HDMI 2.1 brings support for resolutions up to 8k and higher. It supports up to 32 channels of audio from version 2.0. HDMI is the most common connector you’ll find on the back of a TV. Want to use an 8K monitor? Read How to connect an 8K display to your Mac. As we noted above, some Macs ship with an HDMI port—in which case you just need an HDMI-to-HDMI cable to connect your display to your Mac. If your Mac doesn’t have an HDMI port then you just need an adapter or adapter cable: for example, a USB-C-to-HDMI cable or an adapter; see our reviews of the best USB-C adapters for Mac. DisplayPort DisplayPort brings support for resolutions up to 16K and higher (DisplayPort 2.1 and later), although the Mac is limited to 8K at this time. It supports up to 32 channels of audio from version 1.4. DisplayPort was designed to replace older standards like VGA and DVI (see below) and support high resolutions. It is regarded as superior to HDMI for gaming and multi-monitor setups as it offers higher bandwidth and refresh rates, plus daisy-chaining. No Macs ship with DisplayPort port, so you’ll need to get a USB-C-to-DisplayPort cable to connect the display to your Mac, or an adapter. Foundry Thunderbolt, USB-C or USB4 Modern monitors are likely to feature USB-C ports rather than Thunderbolt ports, although Thunderbolt is faster and can take more power. USB-equipped displays are likely to be cheaper than Thunderbolt options, too. Thunderbolt is closely related to DisplayPort (see above) as it tunnels DisplayPort signals alongside data and power over a single cable, allowing a Thunderbolt port to natively drive a DP monitor while also managing data/power. Because Thunderbolt and USB-C ports are identical, if your Mac has one, you will be able to use a USB-C cable to connect the monitor to your Mac but make sure it supports at least 5Gbps of data—many USB-C cables are just for charging and wimp out at just 480Mbps data transfer. Find the best USB-C data/monitor cable in our roundup. Thunderbolt 1 or 2 If you purchased the Apple Thunderbolt display, which was discontinued in 2016, then your monitor has a Thunderbolt 2 port, as seen above. VGA A VGA (Video Graphics Array) connector requires a three-row 15-pin DE-15 connector. VGA connectors transmit analog signals. A few Macs had a VGA connector, but none this century. You can buy a USB-C to VGA connector if your monitor is old enough to require one. Old CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitors were VGA but there are still some flat displays that use VGA—they just convert the VGA connector’s analog signal back to digital. This conversion from digital to analog and back again can cause degradation of video quality. VGA will carry HD video but only analogue audio. DVI DVI (Digital Visual Interface) offers a higher-quality signal than VGA because it’s a digital signal. You will see a marked difference when looking at HD video as compared to VGA. A DVI connector has the potential for 24 pins, depending on whether it’s DVI-A, DVI-D or DVI-I, there are different connectors with a different number of pins in use. There is also a long pin which may be surrounded by four other pins (which are required for audio in older models). Mini DisplayPort If you still have one of Apple’s LED Cinema Displays, introduced back in 1999 and replaced in 2011 by the Thunderbolt display, your display has a Mini DisplayPort connection, as seen above. Best cable, adapter or dongle for connecting a Mac to a monitor Now that you have established which port your Mac and display have, you will need to find a cable to connect your Mac to the monitor. This cable doesn’t need to be from Apple, but it will need to have the right connections and be capable of at least 5Gbps data transfer. Another thing that may be important to you is the length of the cable. It’s no good trying to hook up your Mac to a monitor if the cable or adapter is too short. Remember you will need enough cable to go from the back of the display to the port on the Mac. Read our recommendations of the best cables and adaptors for connecting a display to your Mac. If the number of ports on your Mac is limited, and if you want to connect an additional two 4K displays to your Mac, you will benefit from using either a docking station or hub that will give you more ports, such as USB, Ethernet and card readers. We have a number of recommendations in the best docking stations for MacBooks. Of course a cable doesn’t have to cost that much. If you don’t want to buy a dock, you need to work with the ports you have available. Depending on what port you have on your Mac and your display, we recommend the following: HDMI to HDMI display As we noted above, some Macs ship with an HDMI port in which case you can use an HDMI cable to connect an HDMI display to your Mac, such as this Anker HDMI-to-HDMI cable USB-C/Thunderbolt to USB-C display You can buy Apple’s own USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 cable if you have a Thunderbolt 3-compatible monitor. It’s £39 in the UK Apple Store and $39 in the US Apple Store. Or you can save some money and buy the Cable Matters 20Gbps USB C-to-USB C Monitor Cable that is all you should need to connect a Mac to a USB-C monitor. USB-C/Thunderbolt to HDMI display Among other things, the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter ($69/£69) lets you connect a Thunderbolt-equipped Mac to an HDMI display. You will still need a separate HDMI-to-HDMI cable (such as this one from Anker) to do so. See our list of USB-C adapters for more options. If you have a standard HDMI-compatible monitor, the Six-foot USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 to HDMI cable from Uni is an affordable solution. USB-C to VGA display Apple’s USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter lets you connect to a VGA display or projector. This is an analogue connection so it will not support HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) content. This would include the streaming HD movies. The USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter is available for $69 on the Apple US store or £69 on the Apple UK store. This is a cheaper USB-C to VGA connector option. USB-C to DVI display Apple doesn’t sell one, but you’ll be able to find a USB-C to DVI adapter on Amazon, such as this Benfei USB-C to DVI cable ($11.85 Amazon or £12.99 on Amazon UK). USB-C to Mini DisplayPort display Apple doesn’t make a USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapter, so you won’t be able to connect a 2016 or later MacBook Pro to the old Apple Cinema Display, or any other monitor that uses a Mini Display Port. This JSaux USB-C to MiniDP Adapter is an affordable solution. Mini DisplayPort to HDMI display Apple does not manufacture a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter, so try the Belkin 4K Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter. Thunderbolt (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter Apple’s Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter can be used to connect to a Thunderbolt display to a new Mac. It costs$49 from the Apple US Store or £49 from the Apple UK Store. How to connect a second or third monitor to a Mac The simplest way of adding a second or third monitor to a Mac is to use a hub or docking station. Depending on its number of video or Thunderbolt/USB-C ports you should be able to easily add one or two displays via a single connection to the dock or hub. See our reviews of the best USB-C hubs for Mac and best Mac docking stations. Most Macs are limited to a maximum of two external monitors via a dock; the exceptions are three with a MacBook Pro with an M5 Pro chip or four with an M5 Max chip. Below we list each Mac’s support for external displays without a dock. Neo: One external display with up to 4K resolution at 60Hz. Use a DisplayLink dock for more than one monitor on the MacBook Neo. M1/M2: One external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz. Use a DisplayLink dock for more than one monitor on these MacBooks. M3: Supports up to two external displays over a single Thunderbolt port, one with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz and one at 5K/60Hz when the MacBook lid is closed. Use a DisplayLink dock for more than one monitor on these MacBooks (with MacBook lid open) or more than two monitors. M4: Supports up to two external displays over a single Thunderbolt port, one with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz and one at 5K/60Hz. Use a DisplayLink dock for more than two monitors on these MacBooks. M5: Supports up to two external displays over a single Thunderbolt port, one with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz and one at 6K/60Hz. Use a DisplayLink dock for more than two monitors on these MacBooks. M1/M2/M3/M4 Pro: Up to two external displays with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz over Thunderbolt, or one external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz over Thunderbolt and one external display with up to 4K resolution at 144Hz over HDMI. Or one external display supported at 8K resolution at 60Hz or one external display at 4K resolution at 240Hz over HDMI. Use a DisplayLink dock for more than two monitors on these MacBooks. M1/M2/M3/M4 Max: Up to four external displays: Up to three external displays with 6K resolution at 60Hz over Thunderbolt and one external display with up to 4K resolution at 144Hz over HDMI. Up to three external displays: Up to two external displays with 6K resolution at 60Hz over Thunderbolt and one external display with up to 8K resolution at 60Hz or one external display with 4K resolution at 240Hz over HDMI. M5 Pro: Supports up to three external displays over a single Thunderbolt port. Up to three displays up to a native resolution of 6K (6144 x 3456) at 60Hz or 4K (3840 x 2160) at 144Hz over Thunderbolt or HDMI. Or one external display supported at 8K (7680 x 4320) at 60Hz, 5K (5120 x 2880) at 120Hz, or 4K (3840 x 2160) at 240Hz, plus a second display up to a native resolution of 5K (5120 x 2880) at 120Hz or 4K (3840 x 2160) at 200Hz over Thunderbolt or HDMI. M5 Max: Supports up to four external displays over a single Thunderbolt port. Up to four displays up to a native resolution of 6K (6144 x 3456) at 60Hz or 4K (3840 x 2160) at 144Hz over Thunderbolt or HDMI. Two displays up to a native resolution of 8K (7680 x 4320) at 60Hz, 5K (5120 x 2880) at 120Hz, or 4K (3840 x 2160) at 240Hz over Thunderbolt or HDMI. Troubleshooting problems with a second display There are a number of issues you may experience with your display setup. Here we address some of them. Let us know of any further solutions or problems. Mac not detecting the monitor When you connect your display and your Mac the display should automatically be detected. But what should you do if it isn’t? If your Mac isn’t working with your monitor there are a few things to try: Check the cable—make sure it is properly connected. Make sure the monitor is plugged in. Make sure your software is up to date. If the above don’t work, try these steps: Connect your monitor and Mac and open System Preferences > Displays. Press the Alt/Option key: This should make the Detect Displays button appear. Click on Detect Displays: This should cause your Mac to see the external monitor. Still not having any luck? There is one other reason that could stop your Mac working with an external display: In the past Apple has made changes to macOS that have stopped some third-party adapters working with extra displays. External display is not working with a Mini DisplayPort adapter If your adapter is not made by Apple, that might just be the issue here. Prior to macOS Sierra it was possible to use a third-party Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter with a Mac, but when Sierra launched in 2016 Mac users who were reliant on that setup found their monitors stopped working with their Mac. The only solution if this is the case is to purchase an Apple adapter like one of those listed above. If you have an Apple adapter and your external display isn’t working, try the following: Disconnect your adapter for a few seconds. Reconnect it and see if the issue persists. Disconnect the adapter again and power off the monitor. If it’s still not working, connect the cable again and power off the display. If when you turn the display back on it’s still not working, click on the Apple logo and choose Sleep. Wait a few minutes and then move your mouse or tap your keyboard to wake your Mac. If that doesn’t work, restart the computer. Try adjusting the display’s brightness or contrast just in case it’s turned down. Go to System Preferences > Display and try selecting a different resolution. If that still doesn’t work, try restarting your Mac in safe mode and then reset the display resolution to defaults. Another option is to reset the Mac’s NVRAM and SMC. DVI adapter doesn’t fit in the connection There are a few possible reasons why the Apple Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter might not be compatible with your monitor. There is more than one kind of DVI adapter and the likelihood is the one you have is different to the adapter you are using. For example, you may require space for four analog ports around the flat blade. If your problem is that you have two female or two male connections then the solution is to buy a male-to-female adapter. Cable too small between the two devices? You should be able to hook up your adapter to the screen via a third-party cable. Just make sure it has the correct port type. iPad won’t work as second display Thought you’d use an iPad as a second display with your Mac having installed macOS Catalina and found it doesn’t work? This is most likely because your iPad or Mac don’t support the Sidecar feature. iPads that work with Sidecar include: 12.9-inch iPad Pro11-inch iPad Pro10.5-inch iPad Pro9.7-inch iPad ProiPad (6th generation or later)iPad (5th generation or later)iPad mini (5th generation or later)iPad mini 4 or lateriPad Air (3rd generation or later)iPad Air 2 or later Macs that work with Sidecar include: MacBook Pro (2016 or later)MacBook (2016 or later)MacBook Air (2018 or later)iMac (2016 or later, as well as iMac 5K, 27-inch, late 2015)iMac ProMac mini (2018 or later)Mac Pro (2019 or later) We have more information about using an iPad as a second screen for your Mac here. Plus, we run through What Universal Control is and how Universal Control works separately. If you are wanting to use a second display with your Mac and not have your Mac’s screen on read: How to turn a Mac’s screen off.06:18 amApple retires a legendary iPhone
The iPhone 5 joins Apple’s obsolete products list. It was a landmark device that introduced the Lightning port and a new design. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)06:02 amXcode Cloud Branches with ( or / doesn’t show up
If a branch contains a "strange" character like ( or / doesn't show up on xcode cloud. Am I the only facing this? submitted by /u/cagnulein [link] [comments]04:52 amGoToMyPC – Maintenance
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 18, 05:30 - 08:00 UTCMar 17, 04:38 UTCScheduled - As part of our commitment to provide exceptional service and reliability to our customers, GoToMyPC team will be conducting service maintenance on the following date and time listed below. Our team will be taking all appropriate actions to minimize service interruptions during this event. Date and Time: March 18th, 2026, 5:30 AM UTC to 8:00 AM UTC Purpose: This maintenance is to ensure and maintain system performance and stability. Duration: All maintenance will be performed within the 2.5 hours maintenance window. What to expect: During the Maintenance, GoToMyPC customers may expect 5 minutes of downtime. We would like to thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.02:48 amNetwork Performance Issues in Amsterdam
Mar 17, 02:48 UTCInvestigating - Cloudflare is investigating issues with Network PerformanceWe are working to analyze and mitigate this problem. More updates to follow shortly.01:27 amYouTuber upgrades MacBook Neo to 1TB, posts ASMR video of the process
YouTube creator DirectorFeng is back with another ASMR-themed video in which they attempt to upgrade the storage on a new Apple device. Watch it below. more…12:23 amGRU (São Paulo) on 2026-03-24
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 24, 05:00 - 10:00 UTCMar 17, 00:18 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in GRU (São Paulo) datacenter on 2026-03-24 between 05:00 and 10:00 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.12:22 amHAM (Hamburg) on 2026-03-17
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 17, 01:00 - 05:00 UTCMar 17, 00:16 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in HAM (Hamburg) datacenter on 2026-03-17 between 01:00 and 05:00 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.Monday March 1611:26 pmApple’s new AI model recreates 3D objects with realistic lighting effects from a single image | 9 to 5 MacApple’s new AI model recreates 3D objects with realistic lighting effects from a single image
Apple researchers have created an AI model that reconstructs a 3D object from a single image, while keeping reflections, highlights, and other effects consistent across different viewing angles. Here are the details. more…11:03 pmApple has announced 8 new products this month
Apple unveiled and launched seven new products in the first half of March, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and more. Two weeks after the first product news, Apple returned with one more surprise announcement. more…10:32 pmMimestream 1.9.15
Makes a few adjustments to the Private Bush beta notification feature. ($49.99 annual subscription, free update, 12.5 MB, macOS 12+)10:28 pm10 Audio Improvements in Apple's New AirPods Max 2
Apple refreshed the AirPods Max today, and the main new addition is an H2 chip that replaces the H1 chip. The H2 chip has previously been used in the AirPods 4 and the AirPods Pro 2 and later, but it's new to the AirPods Max. It brings multiple audio improvements alongside an updated high dynamic range amplifier. We've listed all of the audio features that are new to the AirPods Max according to Apple. Active Noise Cancellation - The AirPods Max 2 have up to 1.5x more active noise cancellation because of the more powerful H2 chip and a new computational audio algorithm that detects and counters external sound. Adaptive Audio - The AirPods Max support Adaptive Audio, adjusting the level of ANC based on your environment. Transparency - Apple says it is using a new digital signal processing algorithm built for the H2 and the AirPods Max microphone array to make Transparency sound more natural. Your own voice will sound more realistic, and so will other sounds. Transparency lets you hear what's going on around you, with environmental noise filtered through the AirPods Max microphones. Loud Sound Reduction - Adaptive Audio includes Loud Sound Reduction and the AirPods Max will automatically reduce loud environmental sounds like lawn mowers or construction equipment. Personalized Volume - Another Adaptive Audio feature, Personalized Volume learns your volume preferences across different environments over time and automatically adjusts. Conversation Awareness - When you start to talk, Conversation Awareness kicks on and lowers the volume of what you're listening to while amplifying voices so you can hear a response. When you're done talking, the sound returns to its previous volume. High-fidelity audio improvements - Apple says the H2 chip and a new high dynamic range amplifier provide more headroom for the driver, resulting in richer bass, more natural vocals, and improved localization of instruments. Users can expect more accurate and consistent bass along with more natural sounding mids and highs. Adaptive EQ - Apple retuned Adaptive EQ for the H2 chip, and the feature now extends to higher frequencies. Adaptive EQ uses inward-facing microphones to sample what you're hearing, adjusting playback in real-time. According to Apple, users will get a more consistent listening experience across different fits, movements, and ear geometry. Voice Isolation - Voice Isolation isolates your voice in noisy environments so people can hear you when you're on a call. Voice Isolation also lets creators capture high-quality vocals. Reduced wireless audio latency - Apple says latency is lower with the H2 chip in the AirPods Max 2. The AirPods Max support Bluetooth 5.3, up from Bluetooth 5.0 in the prior model. There are other features enabled by the H2 chip that aren't tied directly to audio, like Live Translation, camera remote functionality, and the option to activate Siri without using "Hey." The AirPods Max 2 also still have all of the other features from the original AirPods Max, like personalized spatial audio, quick pairing, device switching, and more. Apple did not make other design changes to the AirPods Max, and the overall fit and look have not been updated. Compared to the AirPods Pro 3, the main AirPods Max benefit is lossless audio. With a wired USB-C connection to a device, the AirPods Max offer 24-bit 48kHz lossless audio, which the AirPods Pro can't match. The AirPods Max are priced at $549, and Apple plans to accept pre-orders on Wednesday, March 25. A launch will follow in early April, but Apple hasn't provided a specific date yet.Related Roundup: AirPods Max 2Buyer's Guide: AirPods Max (Buy Now)Related Forum: AirPodsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums10:28 pmChronoSync 12.0.1
Maintenance update with improvements and bug fixes for the synchronization and backup tool. ($49.99 new, free update, 102.7 MB, macOS 10.14+)10:10 pmLittleBITS: Why You Got Multiple Copies Last Week
Adam Engst recounts what went wrong when some subscribers received up to 10 copies of TidBITS last week. Unfortunately, we don’t know why it happened and can only hope it doesn’t recur.09:58 pmiOS 26 keyboard toolbar spacing issue
I don't know about you guy's, but I cannot get the the button to align just above the keyboard. It bugs me soo much. I should also add that this is inside of a NavigationStack. Any solutions? .toolbar { ToolbarItem(placement: .keyboard) { Button { // action } label: { Text("Enter Amount") .fontWeight(.bold) } .frame(maxWidth: .infinity) […]09:56 pmElevated R2 Error Rate in India
Mar 16, 21:56 UTCInvestigating - We are currently investigating an issue where customers accessing R2 from India may see high error rates and increased latency for their R2 requests.09:41 pmCloudflare Workers Issues
Mar 16, 21:41 UTCInvestigating - Cloudflare is investigating an increased level of errors for customers running Workers scripts.We are working to analyse and mitigate this problem. More updates to follow shortly.09:20 pmApple’s $599 MacBook Neo just broke the laptop market
Apple has just unleashed its most disruptive laptop in over a decade with the MacBook Neo, a strikingly affordable $599 machine… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.09:07 pmWhatsApp is working on ‘guest chats’ for people without accounts
After months of testing on Android, Meta is bringing guest chats to beta testers on iOS and the web. Here’s how it will work. more…08:57 pmiOS 26’s new Phone app has a feature I don’t ever want to go without
Apple overhauled the Phone app in iOS 26 with a new design and added several powerful features, including a new call screening option that I don’t ever want to go without. more…08:51 pmAirPods Max 2 Gain H2 Chip and AirPods Pro Features
After more than five years, Apple has updated its premium over-ear headphones with the H2 chip, bringing features like Adaptive Audio and Live Translation to the AirPods Max while maintaining the $549 price point.08:51 pmProtect all your devices from hackers, trackers and other online creeps
Get a three-year subscription to Surfshark VPN for $67.20 (reg. $430). It covers unlimited devices on macOS, iOS, Windows, Android and more. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)08:42 pmSeverance season 3 gets timing update, new characters teased
Today Deadline shared video from an interview with Severance star Adam Scott in which the actor provided updates on season 3 filming, teased new characters coming, and confirmed the incoming director. more…08:26 pmNew iPhone game controller brings Hall effect precision
Boasting made-for-iPhone certification, the new Serafim S3 Universal Mobile Game Controller boasts console-level control and precision. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)08:19 pmMimms Museum to celebrate Apple’s 50th anniversary with immersive exhibition
Formerly known as the Computer Museum of America, Roswell’s Mimms Museum of Technology and Art will officially open “iNSPIRE: 50 Years of Innovation from Apple” to the public on April 1st. Here are the details. more…08:03 pmApple Watch Ultra 2 dips below $500 in substantial deal
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has seen its price drop to under $500 for the first time since its 2023 debut, offering adventure enthusiasts and… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.08:01 pmiPhone 5 reaches the end of the line as Apple declares it obsolete
Repairs are now off the table for the iPhone 5, closing out support for one of Apple's most important early designs.iPhone 5The company updated its vintage and obsolete products list on March 16, moving the iPhone 5 and 8GB iPhone 4 out of vintage status. The iPhone 5 holds more weight due to its role as the first iPhone with a Lightning port.Apple will no longer provide hardware service or supply parts for the iPhone 5 through its retail stores or authorized repair network. Effectively, it ends the device's usable lifespan within Apple's ecosystem for most users. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums07:53 pmApple adds two iPhone models to its ‘obsolete products’ list
Apple has moved the iPhone 4 and the iPhone 5 to its list of obsolete devices worldwide. Here’s what that means. more…07:39 pmiPhone Fold looks like two of my all-time favorite products in one
Apple has its first foldable iPhone launching this fall, and the latest rumors make it seem more clear than ever that iPhone Fold will combine two of my favorite products—iPhone mini and iPad mini—into a single device. more…07:19 pmAirPods Max 2: Four things that haven’t changed
Apple made a surprise announcement this morning for AirPods Max 2. This is the first real update to Apple’s over-ear headphones since they launched in 2020, with the new H2 chip enabling some much-needed new features. There are, however, plenty of things that haven’t changed with AirPods Max 2. more…07:00 pmApple acquires MotionVFX
Apple has acquired MotionVFX, a leading developer of professional plugins, visual effects, templates, and motion graphics tools primarily… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.07:00 pmApple Launches AirPods Max 2 With Better ANC, Live Translation
Apple has quietly announced the AirPods Max 2, featuring improved active noise cancellation, an H2 chip, and new features like adaptive audio and AI-powered real-time translation. Like the original model, these headphones start at $549. The Verge reports: As noted by Apple, the AirPods Max 2 offer active noise-cancellation that's 1.5 times more effective when compared to its predecessor. Transparency mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings while wearing the headphones, also sounds "more natural" with the AirPods Max 2, according to Apple. The AirPods Max 2 support 24-bit, 48kHz lossless audio when connected with a USB-C cable, as well as offer up to 20 hours of listening time on a single charge. Other capabilities include loud sound reduction, a camera remote feature that works by pressing the digital crown to take a photo or start a recording, as well as a personalized volume feature that "automatically fine-tunes the listening experience" based on your preferences over time. Read more of this story at Slashdot.06:55 pmCloudflare Analytics Availability Issues
Mar 16, 18:55 UTCInvestigating - We are currently investigating issues with Cloudflare Analytics. Customers might experience elevated rate of errors, increased latency while reading data via Cloudflare API, and/or delays in updating analytics data.06:47 pmMacBook Neo can be modded to run faster, but you probably shouldn't
A thermal pad modification can boost sustained clock speeds in the MacBook Neo under heavy loads, but it's not something that most people should attempt.MacBook NeoEvery modern processor slows down when heat builds up, so better cooling can extend higher clock speeds. A post on the r/MacbookNeo subreddit says the MacBook Neo's A18 Pro chip previously dropped to about 2.3 GHz under load but held around 3.3 GHz after the change.Two stacked thermal pads are positioned between the processor's heat spreader and the bottom case. During testing, the user reported about 5.2 watts of CPU power. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums06:46 pmApple's First Lightning iPhone is Now Obsolete
The iPhone 5 that launched back in 2012 is now considered obsolete, according to Apple's list of vintage and obsolete products. Apple moved the iPhone 5 and the 8GB iPhone 4 from the vintage list to the obsolete list today. A device is "vintage" when it has been five years since it was last distributed for sale, and "obsolete" at the seven-year mark, though Apple sometimes stretches its timelines. For vintage products, Apple retail stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers can provide repairs if the required parts are available. Devices that are obsolete are generally not eligible for repair and Apple stops providing repair components. Apple released the iPhone 5 in 2012 and discontinued it in 2013 after launching the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 5c. The iPhone 5 was added to the vintage products list in 2018, at which point repairs became limited based on parts availability. Now that the device has moved to the obsolete list, repairs will be largely unavailable. The iPhone 5 featured an updated design with a glass and aluminum body, a taller 4-inch display, LTE support, and the first-ever Lightning port that replaced the 30-pin connector. As for the 8GB iPhone 4 that was also added to the obsolete list, Apple introduced it in 2011 and then discontinued it in 2013. Both the 8GB iPhone 4 and the iPhone 5 were sold as low-cost devices in emerging markets after being discontinued in the United States.Tag: Vintage and Obsolete Apple ProductsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums06:29 pmSonos finally returns to hardware with Jennifer Tuohy on Smart Home Insider
On this week's episode of the Smart Home Insider podcast, we examine the new Sonos smart speaker launch and suggestions for seasonal device management with guest Jennifer Pattison Tuohy.Smart Home Insider PodcastJennifer Pattison Tuohy from The Verge sits in on the podcast for the first time in 2026. She's been a journalist for over three decades and covers all kinds of smart home tech.We start the episode in one of Jennifer's areas of expertise, Amazon Alexa+. A new report from Wired suggests that Amazon's new AI-powered assistant is struggling. Some of our staffers agree. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums06:12 pmMacBook Air adding touchscreen isn’t yet planned, says report
Later this year, the M6 MacBook Pro is widely rumored to be the first Mac that supports touch. But a new report indicates touchscreens may not be in Apple’s plans for the MacBook Air or MacBook Neo. more…06:07 pmAirPods Pro 3 are $40 off right now
Macworld AirPods Pro 3 View Deal There’s no reason to wait around to get yourself some new earbuds because the AirPods Pro 3 are down to $210 right now, a $40 discount at Amazon, and one of the best prices we’ve seen since all year. These earbuds are easily among our favorites, as we gave them a 4.5-star rating when we reviewed them, as well as our Editors’ Choice award. We loved how our favorite tracks sound with the buds in our ears and just how long the battery lasts, as well as the advanced active noise cancellation that effectively removes unwanted background sounds. The improved Transpacency mode will make it safer for you to use the earbuds when walking out at night, for instance. Another feature that will help when you’re working out is the integrated heart rate sensor that will give you info about your health without having to wear a smartwatch, smart ring, or other similar gadget. If you’re into traveling, the Live Translation feature will come in handy too. Plus you’ll get Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and a slew of other useful features. So grab the AirPods Pro 3 for $210 while Amazon still has the earbuds down to this price.06:01 pmApple kicks off 50th anniversary celebrations with Alicia Keys performance at Apple Grand Central in New York City | Mac Daily NewsApple kicks off 50th anniversary celebrations with Alicia Keys performance at Apple Grand Central in New York City
On March 13th, Apple kicked off celebrations for its 50th anniversary with a special performance by Alicia Keys at Apple Grand Central… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.06:00 pmScammers are using your own data against you this tax season, here’s how to stop them
Tax season brings more than just paperwork. It brings a surge in scams, and retirees are squarely in the crosshairs. Criminals know that older Americans are often expecting refunds, may be less familiar with digital red flags, and frequently have stable income and good credit worth stealing. The result: a flood of fake IRS messages, identity theft schemes, and impersonation attempts that arrive right when you’re most distracted. Incogni gives you the power to do something about it, and 9to5Mac readers can save 58% with promo code 9TO5MAC. more…06:00 pmMagSafe Monday: Apple FineWoven Wallet review and Find My tracking
Apple’s FineWoven material has gotten a lot of bad rap over the years. People have been incredibly critical of it since it replaced leather in the Apple lineup. This is my first time giving it a go after using the original leather Apple Find My wallet many years ago, and I wanted to see how it holds up for everyday carry. This week, I am taking a look at Apple’s FineWoven iPhone wallet with MagSafe. more…05:31 pmWhat iOS development opinion did you change your mind on in the last few years? | Reddit on iOS ProgrammingWhat iOS development opinion did you change your mind on in the last few years?
Could be about SwiftUI, UIKit, architecture, testing, App Store reality, whatever. Those are usually more interesting than standard “hot takes”. submitted by /u/dnesdan [link] [comments]05:27 pmApple Exclaves and the Secure Design of the MacBook Neo’s On-Screen Camera Indicator | Daring FireballApple Exclaves and the Secure Design of the MacBook Neo’s On-Screen Camera Indicator
“What that means in practice is that even a kernel-level exploit would not be able to turn on the camera without the light appearing on screen.”05:19 pmApple unveils new $549 H2-powered AirPods Max 2
Apple today announced AirPods Max 2, bringing even better Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), elevated sound quality, and… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.05:13 pmAmazon drops Apple's iPad 11 to $299 with March markdowns
Amazon's March iPad sale delivers prices as low as $299, with discounts of up to $300 off new and closeout models across Apple's tablet line.Get Apple's iPad 11 for just $299 at Amazon.Steeper discounts on Apple's iPad line are in effect at Amazon as March hits the midway point, with Apple's 11-inch iPad available for $299 thanks to a $50 discount in three colors.Buy iPad 11 for $299 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums04:51 pmApple’s AirPods Max 2 bring H2 chip, boosted ANC in April for $549
Apple's over-head headphones gets an update after over five years.04:37 pmAirPods Max 2 Reveal iOS 26.4 Launch Date
Apple today introduced the second-generation version of its over-ear AirPods Max headphones, and some of the software requirements in the fine print give us some insight into when Apple's iOS 26.4 update will be released to the public. To use several of the added features like Live Translation, the AirPods Max 2 will need to be paired with an iPhone running iOS 26.4, an iPad running iPadOS 26.4, or a Mac running macOS Tahoe 26.4. The AirPods are set to launch in early April, which means iOS 26.4 and its sister updates will need to launch during the same time frame. iOS 26.4 will be here by the first week of April, and it could even launch before the end of March. We're at the fourth beta now, so the release candidate version could come at any time. The release candidate likely includes AirPods Max 2 mentions in the code, so Apple was probably holding back on providing it to developers and public beta testers until the AirPods Max 2 were announced. Apple plans to begin accepting preorders for the AirPods Max 2 on Wednesday, March 25. There is no more specific launch date than "early April," which suggests the first week and a half of the month. Features that require iOS 26.4 include Live Translation, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, "Siri" wake word support, Voice Isolation, and the new Digital Crown controls for using the AirPods Max as a camera button. Apple says the feature set will require the latest AirPods Max firmware as well as the iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and macOS Tahoe 26.4 software.Related Roundups: AirPods Max 2, iOS 26, iPadOS 26Buyer's Guide: AirPods Max (Buy Now)Related Forums: AirPods, iOS 26This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums04:34 pmMotionVFX acquisition hints at new Final Cut Pro features on iPad
Apple has bought MotionVFX, a firm that makes transitions, effects and plugins for the Final Cut Pro video editing app on Mac — and maybe also for iPad.MotionVFX makes it possible to subtly edit footage in Final Cut Pro with new effects — image credit: MotionVFXOne of the benefits of Apple bundling its professional audio and video tools into Apple Creator Studio has been the assumption that they will get updated more. Now with the acquisition of MotionVFX, it's certain that Final Cut Pro will get new features on the Mac, but there's also a chance they will come to the iPad."For over 15 years, we've been on a mission to create world-class, visually inspiring content and effects for video editors," says the MotionVFX company in a statement. "From the very beginning, we've been all about quality, ease of use, and great design." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums04:28 pmX-VPN review: Cheap VPN with great streaming – but slower speeds
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Free plan Growing collection of server locations Great for geo-unblocking Cons Significant speed drop Five device limit is lower than rivals Our Verdict X-VPN has improved significantly and is now a solid option, especially if you want a free VPN or a low-cost service that can reliably unblock streaming platforms and social media. Its proprietary Everest protocol works well for bypassing geo-restrictions, and the service offers a transparent no-logs policy backed by an external audit. However, performance can lag behind top rivals, with noticeable speed drops during long-distance connections, so it’s best suited to casual browsing and streaming rather than speed-sensitive tasks. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$2.99 a month for 24 months/$69.99 for two year plan Best Prices Today: X-VPN Retailer Price X-VPN $2.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket X-VPN’s biggest strengths: Reliable geo-unblocking, generous free plan, and low-cost premium tier, making it an accessible VPN for users who mainly want to stream content or browse more privately without paying top-tier prices X-VPN’s biggest drawback: Its biggest drawback is a significant speed drop compared with leading VPNs, with testing showing download speeds falling by around 60% on long-distance connections. Free plan: Yes Price: $2.99/month (2-year plan) Devices: 5 Protocols: Everest, WireGuard, OpenVPN Server locations: 10,000 servers Money-back guarantee: 30 days Logging policy: No-logs (audited) I’ve spent an long time poring over Mac VPN details to help pick the best of the best, and in that time, X-VPN popped up on the periphery with many concerns over how the service handled privacy. While I can’t speak for earlier versions of X-VPN, reviewing it in 2026 makes it clear it’s a solid product that has outgrown those concerns for the most part. The Singapore-based VPN does a great job of getting around geoblocks, while also offering a series of safeguards to keep your Mac (and other devices) safe and protect your identity. There’s a free plan, which is always welcome, but it’s naturally limited to a small subset of server locations, while there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee for its competitively-priced premium option, too. If you are happy to upgrade, it’s a pretty transparent service in terms of security, too, with a no-logs policy backed up by an external audit. Privacy aside, its Everest protocol is a great unblocker for just about any service. It’s not open source (such is the nature of proprietary protocols), but it does a great job at making social media and video content available just about anywhere. For more options see our round up of the Best VPN for Mac and Best VPN for iPad & iPhone. Features & Apps: How easy is X-VPN to use and what features does it include The best VPN services meet you where you need them, and X-VPN does a great job of doing that. It has options for macOS, iOS (and iPadOS), Android, Windows, and game consoles. X-VPN also abides by the long-tested VPN app philosophy of having a big ol’ button to press when you’re ready to connect, something that offers an enjoyable simplicity. I’m also pleased to see, despite the low price, that there are some more powerful features included in the paid tier. There’s a password manager, leak tests for DNS and IPv6, and an IP address checker, as well as the option to route your traffic through two VPN servers to further obfuscate traffic. A kill switch comes as standard for dropping connections if the VPN connection drops out, while Split Tunnelling is available for routing some traffic via a VPN. Foundry It’s a shame there’s a five-device limit, however. While we’re not expecting Surfshark-esque unlimited devices, it’s lower than more well-known rivals like ExpressVPN, which starts at 10. While we’re nitpicking, there are some grammatical errors on the X-VPN site that don’t inspire confidence. It’s a small thing, but in such a competitive field and when choosing who to entrust with your digital privacy, phrases like “All human deserves a free internet” might make you think twice about subscribing. Performance: How fast is X-VPN in real-world use? Foundry One of X-VPN’s biggest selling points is its proprietary Everest protocol, which claims to be a great way to get around geoblocks to access content from elsewhere in the world. In our testing, we found that pretty accurate: I was able to switch between Netflix libraries and storefronts with ease, although the 10,000 server locations aren’t as spread out as some of its rivals. For example, UK servers are based in London and Manchester, whereas other rivals offer more than just a few major cities. I do appreciate that there are servers for specific needs; however, like streaming-specific options or ones earmarked for torrent downloads. Sadly, the fly in the ointment here is speed. X-VPN offers a ‘smart routing AI’ for finding the ‘fastest server’, but that isn’t always the case. In fact, connecting from the U.K. to the U.S. knocked off around 60% of our download speeds in testing, which is a higher drop than we’re used to. A representative from X-VPN told us the company has formed an optimization task force and is rolling out additional 10Gbps servers. That should bear fruit around July 2026, but for now, it’s a steep speed drop despite the positives of getting around geoblocks. A note on Everest: The protocol here isn’t open-source, which is something of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, users can’t examine the code of Everest, potentially working on improvements, but on the other, it can’t be easily cracked by bad actors, either. If it were to be opened up to the world, it would likely lose some potency as streaming services and web providers work to restrict its capabilities, but for now, it does a great job of getting around content blocks. Thankfully, OpenVPN and WireGuard are supported as alternatives should you run into any compatibility issues. Foundry Privacy & Security: Is X-VPN safe and private to use? AES-256 encryption is provided as standard, while all servers are RAM-only so data is instantly removed. That’s something of a bold step for more traditional users, however, who will no doubt feel secure just knowing the company runs a no-logs policy that’s backed up by external auditors. Better yet, you don’t even need to log in with the free plan to get the benefit of the VPN. That means you can use it without even giving away your email address. X-VPN’s Transparency Report showed the service saw over 239,000 DMCA requests, and 65 law enforcement enquiries, with none of them being responded to with identifiable user data. There’s a Dark Web Monitor built in, too, which looks for instances of your data appearing on the Dark Web so you can stay vigilant. Dark Web Monitoring,Foundry Pricing and plans: Is X-VPN good value for money? While X-VPN is naturally a better service when you’re paying for it (as is the case for just about anything in life, VPN or otherwise), it’s nice that its free plan exists. It offers a way to test the waters without needing to even give away your email (spoof or otherwise). That means you’re getting access to a VPN without giving any information away. When it does come time to pay, $69.99 covers you for two years (that’s $2.99 per month), and you can pay with Bitcoin for added anonymity. It’s refreshing to see an affordable VPN with so many features, too, as covered earlier. Many of those are often tied to higher tiers with other services. Should you use X-VPN? Device limits and breadth of server locations aside, X-VPN is a much better service than you may have been led to believe in recent years. Its Everest protocol is great for just about any unblocking, and the low price (and free plan) make it easy to recommend for new VPN users, as long as you’re ok with some degree of speed drop.04:10 pmApple is the TCS London Marathon Official Performance Technology Product Partner
Apple has partnered with the world's biggest marathon as part of a push to encourage ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary goals.Image credit: TCS London MarathonOn April 26, athletes from all over the world will gather to participate in the 2026 TCS London Marathon. This year, Apple has been honored as the Official Performance Technology Partner."The London Marathon is one of the world's greatest sporting events and a powerful celebration of the global running community," Jay Blahnik, Apple's vice president of Fitness Technologies, said in the announcement. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums04:05 pm9to5Mac Daily: March 16, 2026 – AirPods Max 2 are here
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Sponsored by Backblaze: Backup you can rely on. Save 20% with code 9to5daily. more…04:02 pmApple TV’s ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles’ opens SXSW with world premiere event
Apple TV celebrated the upcoming launch of “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” with a star-studded opening-night premiere at the SXSW Film; The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.03:55 pmAirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: Premium personal audio compared
After years of rumors, Apple finally introduced new AirPods Max. Here's what's changed in the 2026 model compared to the first released six years ago.AirPods Max and AirPods Max 2In Apple's AirPods range, the earbud-based versions have received the most updates. There have been multiple generations of AirPods and AirPods Pro released over the years, with each bringing in new features to the lines.By contrast, Apple has largely steered clear of the AirPods Max. The premium over-ear headphones have received only one minor update since the 2020 introduction, with a September 2024 refresh switching out the Lightning connector for USB-C and doing little else. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums03:48 pmGet lifetime AI investing advice for 85% off
Build an optimized portfolio, track performance and fine-tune your investments with a lifetime subscription to this AI investing app. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)03:46 pmDeals: AirPods Pro 3, 1TB M5 MacBook Pro, MacBook Air $300 off, Titanium Apple Watch $300 off, more | 9 to 5 MacDeals: AirPods Pro 3, 1TB M5 MacBook Pro, MacBook Air $300 off, Titanium Apple Watch $300 off, more
Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is headlined by AirPods Pro 3 back down at $210 (within $10 of holiday price) just after the reveal of the all-new AirPods Max 2. We also have Apple’s M5-powered 24GB MacBook Pro with 1TB storage at $200 off launch price as well as this 24GB M4 MacBook Air at $300 off joined by Apple Pencil Pro from $65, Apple Watch Ultra 2 clearance pricing at $300 off, Titanium Apple Watch Series 10 Cell models at $300 off, and much more below. more…03:42 pmCloudflare Zero Trust: Gateway Issues
Mar 16, 15:42 UTCInvestigating - Cloudflare is investigating issues with intermittent failures in the API for Zero Trust Gateway.Customers may be unable to view or edit their policies in the Zero Trust dashboard. Existing policies are not impacted.More updates to follow shortly.03:32 pmApple Maps EV Routing adds battery preconditioning for Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford’s Mustang Mach-E is one of very few cars with support for Apple Maps EV Routing in CarPlay. The feature helps you plan EV trips by automatically inserting necessary charging stops along your route. One limitation of Apple Maps EV Routing, however, is that it doesn’t support battery preconditioning. According to Ford, however, this is changing. more…03:30 pmF1: The Movie wins Apple its first Academy Award in three years
The 98th Annual Academy Awards were held last night. Apple had six nominations total, and won its first Oscar in three years thanks to F1: The Movie’s ‘Best Sound’ victory. more…03:22 pmLiquid Glass is divisive now, but Apple knows where it's going
Six months after public release, Liquid Glass remains as controversial as ever. Apple may be considering some mitigations in iOS 27 and so forth, but this is the future — especially if we get touchscreen Macs.Maybe Liquid Glass is controversial on Macs and iPhones, but you'd still buy one of these Apple Park models if you could — image credit: AppleIt's not at all true that everyone hates Apple's Liquid Glass redesign. What is true is that right now, it's in flux and being changed.There was never any question that it would stay. It was always going to evolve, just as Apple's iOS 7 so famously and controversially did over many years. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums03:15 pmToday in Apple history: iPad gets an eye-dazzling Retina display
On March 16, 2012, Apple introduced the third-generation iPad. The short-lived iPad 3 became the first tablet to come with a Retina display. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)03:06 pmApple acquires MotionVFX, maker of popular Final Cut Pro plugins and more
Apple has acquired MotionVFX, the company behind popular templates and plugins for Final Cut Pro. MotionVFX announced the acquisition on its website, saying it is “joining the Apple team to continue to empower creators and editors to do their best work.” more…03:02 pmApple’s feature film ‘F1’ scores Best Sound at the 98th Annual Academy Awards
Sunday night, at the 98th Annual Academy Awards, Apple’s history-making film “F1” won Best Sound from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.03:01 pmApple partnering with London Marathon: ‘Apple’s technologies support runners at every level’ | 9 to 5 MacApple partnering with London Marathon: ‘Apple’s technologies support runners at every level’
Apple has been announced as an official partner of this year’s TCS London Marathon ahead of race day next month. Running and Apple already have a strong association after a decade of developing the Apple Watch to be the best run tracking smartwatch on the market. more…02:50 pmF1: The Movie takes home Apple TV’s only Oscar
After four nominations, "F1: The Movie" took home an Oscar for Best Sound -- another honor for the smash-hit racing flick starring Brad Pitt. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)02:42 pmAirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: Here’s everything new
Today Apple unveiled the long-awaited AirPods Max 2. Here’s a comparison of all the differences between AirPods Max 2 and the previous AirPods Max models with both USB-C and Lightning. more…02:38 pmBig changes are coming to iOS 27, but Liquid Glass is here to stay
Macworld Last year’s 26-branded operating system updates, including macOS 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26 as well as the iPhone’s iOS 26, were dominated by a single but very broad design change. A new look called Liquid Glass was brought in across all of Apple’s devices, introducing glass-like transparency effects and animations. This wasn’t universally popular, but according to a new report, Apple has no plans to get rid of Liquid Glass any time soon. In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman argues firstly that Liquid Glass was never as unpopular as some media outlets claimed. “The idea that iOS 26 and Liquid Glass represent a crisis for Apple–or some unforgivable offense against good design that customers around the world despise–is greatly overblown,” he writes. “The vast majority of users appear happy with the update, and adoption has steadily climbed.” He goes on to claim that, contrary to one narrative, Liquid Glass was not the pet project of a few individuals who have since left the company. The design language had full buy-in from the executive team, he says, while several employees who now have more prominent roles in the design team were driving forces behind its long-term development. A sudden change of direction is unlikely. However, in a post on X, Gurman does concede that Apple is still looking at ways to give users more control over just how glassy Liquid Glass looks. Apple introduced a setting in iOS 26.2 letting users choose between “Clear” and “Tinted,” but Gurman reports it is still trying to give users granular control over the look of the interface: “Apple had been working on a systemwide Liquid Glass slider for iOS 26 to adjust the level of the glass effect. It couldn’t be pulled off for engineering reasons. Apple is trying again now for iOS 27. TBD if it lands.” But it’s clear that the opening keynote presentation at WWDC 26 won’t feature a loud mea culpa and the announcement of a new design language. (Indeed, we’ve suspected as much for some time.) But that doesn’t mean it’ll be uneventful. And Gurman believes that one major change is on the way to iOS 27 this year. In preparation for the launch of its first ever foldable in the fall, Gurman believes that Apple is preparing iOS to accommodate the larger display and multiple screen sizes of the iPhone Fold. When the device is folded up, it will behave more like the iPhones we are used to; when unfolded, somewhat like an iPad. It will support split-screen apps, for example, but not the iPad’s full multitasking capabilities. Offering a superior experience for watching video and playing games than any other iPhone, Gurman feels the iPhone Fold has the potential to be a game-changer. “The foldable iPhone promises to be one of Apple’s most exciting products in years,” he writes. iOS 27 will be announced and demonstrated at WWDC 26 in June, before rolling out to beta testers across multiple versions. The final public version of iOS 27.0 will become available in September. For all the latest news and rumors, bookmark our regularly updated iOS 27 superguide.02:09 pmChange appstoreconnect UI language?
Hi all, i want to update appstoreconnect interface language but not being able to, my account is on English but my appstoreconnect is still not, what can be done, have anyone had it? submitted by /u/OPrudnikov [link] [comments]02:08 pmAirPods Max 2 pack AI-powered listening and stronger noise cancellation
H2-chip-powered AirPods Max 2 enhance sound quality and noise cancellation and bring new features like Adaptive Audio and Live Translation. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)02:01 pmApple’s ongoing Siri and AI struggles ripple into hardware launch delays
LLM Siri is Apple's major, next-generation overhaul of Siri that shifts the assistant to a foundation built on large language models (LLMs)… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.01:58 pmElevated Error Rates for Workers AI Services
Mar 16, 13:58 UTCInvestigating - We are currently investigating an elevated rate of errors, specifically an increase in timeout (408) errors, affecting multiple Workers AI models. Our engineering teams are actively engaged in identifying the root cause and implementing a fix. Further updates will be provided.01:48 pmApple drops a surprise AirPods Max 2 update
Macworld More than five years after the first generation arrived and 18 months after the perfunctory USB-C for Lightning swap, Apple has launched AirPods Max 2. The new headphones look the same, come in the same five colors, and have the same maligned Smart Case for the same $549. The only difference appears to be the inclusion of the H2 chip, which was introduced in the AirPods Pro 2 back in 2022. Like in that model, the H2 chip brings several overdue upgrades to AirPods Max 2, including Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Live Translation, and Voice Isolation. Notably, Apple doesn’t list the AirPods Max as being compatible with its Hearing Health features, which can turn AirPods Pro into a hearing aid. The H2 chip does bring 1.5x improved Noise Cancellation and “more natural” Transparency mode. The AirPods Max 2 also bring a new high-dynamic-range amplifier for “even cleaner audio.” They still support 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio when listening via USB-C, as well as Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking. While AirPods Max 2 is a welcome update, it’s hard not to wish these were released in 2024, if not sooner. The inclusion of the H2 chip only catches them up to the 3-year-old AirPods Pro 2, and does little to correct the flaws in the original model. And based on the frequency of updates, this model could be on shelves until 2030. But if you’ve been on the fence about buying a pair, now’s your chance. You can preorder them on March 25 for delivery “early next month.”01:43 pmAirPods Max 2: Price, release date, new features and everything you need to know
Macworld Five years after the arrival of the AirPods Max (in December 2020) Apple has introduced that AirPods Max 2. These are Apple’s next-generation premium over-ear headphones, powered by the H2 chip and designed to deliver improved audio processing, noise cancellation, and spatial audio capabilities. They build on the original AirPods Max by refining connectivity, features, and audio performance while retaining Apple’s high-end design and ecosystem integration. In the past couple of years Apple has launched the AirPods 4 (in September 2024) and the AirPods Pro 3 (in September 2025). The only changes to the AirPods Max were updated color options and changed the adapter from Lightning to USB-C. AirPods Max 2 Buying Information: Release date and where to buy Announcement: March 16, 2026 (via Apple Newsroom press release) Pre-orders: March 25, 2026 Shipping / availability: Expected to start later in March 2026 Apple typically releases new hardware within weeks of announcement and sells it simultaneously online and through retail stores. Order AirPods Max 2 from Apple Customers can purchase AirPods Max 2 from: Apple Store (retail locations) Apple Store online Apple Store app Apple Authorized Resellers Major electronics retailers AirPods Max 2 Price: Has the AirPods Max price changed? The starting price is the same for this generation: In the U.S. the AirPods Max cost $549. Apple has historically kept the same U.S. pricing across AirPods Max revisions. In the U.K. the AirPods Max cost £499. The UK price dropped to £499 in September 2024, it was £549 at launch in 2020. Apple also typically offers: Monthly financing Trade-in credit for old devices Optional engraving when purchased directly from Apple. AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max 1: What’s New and what’s Missing? New features H2 chip for improved computational audio Improved active noise cancellation (1.5x better than original) Adaptive Audio: Adjusts sound depending on surroundings Conversation Awareness: Making it easier to talk to someone while wearing AirPods Enhanced Spatial Audio Better power efficiency Improved wireless connectivity The H2 chip powers features like adaptive audio processing and better voice isolation on newer AirPods models. What’s unchanged Overall industrial design Premium materials Control scheme (Digital Crown) High-end pricing AirPods Max 2 Audio: How have the audio features improved? One of the biggest improvements compared to the original AirPods Max is lossless audio support. Earlier AirPods Max models couldn’t deliver true lossless sound because of the way Bluetooth and Lightning wired playback processed audio signals. The newer hardware and software support means AirPods Max can now deliver 24-bit / 48 kHz lossless audio, preserving the full detail of the original recording rather than compressing it. This means more detail and clarity in music, better reproduction of studio recordings and improved listening quality for movies and games. Lossless playback will be a benefit to those listening to music from Apple Music’s lossless catalogue. Another improvement relates to ultra-low latency audio. This reduced the delay between what is seen on screen and the sound reaching your ears – important for gaming and video. The new headphones should reduced this delay significantly. AirPods Max 2 focus heavily on computational audio. The new model uses more advanced audio processing hardware (including the H2 chip) to improve computational audio. The original AirPods Max used Apple’s H1 chip. Key audio features include: Active Noise Cancellation: Blocks environmental noise using external and internal microphones. Transparency Mode: Allows outside sound to pass through so users can remain aware of surroundings. Spatial Audio: Provides immersive surround sound with dynamic head tracking. Computational audio: Powered by the H2 chip, which enables: improved noise cancellation adaptive audio tuning improved voice clarity for calls AirPods Max 2 Color Options : Have the AirPods colors changed? Apple AirPods Max 2 generally offer configuration based on color only, with the same internal specs. The color choices are: Blue Purple Midnight Starlight Orange Those are the same color options as were introduced to the line with he 2024 color refresh. At launch the original AirPod Max were available in: Space Gray Silver Sky Blue Green Pink AirPods Max 2 Design: Has anything changed to the design? The AirPods Max retain the same premium design language as the first model. They still feature the same stainless steel headband, aluminum ear cups, and breathable knit mesh canopy that distributes weight to reduce pressure on the head. The dimensions remain similar to the original, including the 386.2g weight. Apple also hasn’t changed the design of the Smart Case. AirPods Max 2 Battery Life: Is battery life better? The new AirPods Max 2 offer the same “up to 20 hours listening time” as the predecessor.01:26 pmApp rejected for this bug in SFSafariViewController, anyone seen this before? | Reddit on iOS ProgrammingApp rejected for this bug in SFSafariViewController, anyone seen this before?
submitted by /u/Tainted-Archer [link] [comments]01:18 pmAirPods Max 2 arrive with better ANC, Live Translation, and more
In a surprise launch on Monday, Apple has introduced the AirPods Max 2, updating the premium headphones with better active noise cancellation, the H2 chip, and more new features.AirPods Max 2 - Image Credit: AppleThe original AirPods Max arrived in December 2020, but aside from a minor refresh in 2024 with some new colors and USB-C, it hasn't received any real changes. On March 16, Apple changed that.Going by the name AirPods Max 2, the premium personal audio accessory looks like the originals from the outside. They're large over-ear headphones with a bouncy head cushion, just as before. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums01:16 pmApple’s Liquid Glass isn’t going anywhere: Years of refinements ahead for new design language | Mac Daily NewsApple’s Liquid Glass isn’t going anywhere: Years of refinements ahead for new design language
Apple's Liquid Glass user interface isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Apple's new design language stems from a multi-year development… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.01:03 pmApple unveils AirPods Max 2 with H2 chip, upgraded noise canceling, and more
Apple has announced the official AirPods Max successor today. Years after the original model was introduced, AirPods Max 2 are here. more…01:00 pmThe iPhone 17e, now a solid budget phone with minimal compromise [Review] ★★★★☆
The iPhone 17e is a slight upgrade that makes all the difference. Now with MagSafe, it doesn’t have many compromises. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)12:51 pmApp Store Connect still showing “Agreement Updated” banner after signing 4 hours ago | Reddit on iOS ProgrammingApp Store Connect still showing “Agreement Updated” banner after signing 4 hours ago
Signed the updated Apple Developer Program License Agreement about 4 hours ago (got the confirmation email from Apple). But App Store Connect still pops up the "Agreement Updated" banner every time I try to submit my app. Tried logging out and back in, different browser, clearing cache — nothing works. Anyone else seeing this today? […]Firehose II – Jobs, Deals, Apps
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